BP’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim FPSO: A Case Study

Introduction

As the oil and gas industry transitions towards sustainability, the BP Greater Tortue Ahmeyim FPSO project stands out as a leading example of integrating decarbonization measures into cost estimation. This FPSO, developed for an offshore LNG project in West Africa, demonstrates the financial and environmental benefits of implementing hybrid power systems, carbon capture, and optimized energy efficiency. In this case study, we analyze the project’s capital expenditure (CAPEX), cost breakdown, and the impact of sustainability initiatives.

Project Overview

• Operator: BP
• Partners: Kosmos Energy, Petrosen, and SMHPM
• Location: Offshore Mauritania and Senegal
• Field Type: LNG
• Capacity: 2.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) LNG production
• Development Phase: Phase 1 (Foundation Phase)
• First Gas: Expected in 2023
• FPSO Contractor: TechnipFMC

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Breakdown

The estimated total CAPEX for Phase 1 of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project is approximately $4.8 billion. The cost is distributed across several key components:

1. Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Unit ~ $1.5 billion

The FPSO serves as the central processing hub for offshore gas production and liquefaction. Cost components include:

• Hull construction and integration ~ $500 million
• Topside processing facilities ~ $800 million
• Mooring and riser system ~ $200 million

2. Subsea Infrastructure ~ $1.3 billion

The subsea production system consists of:

• Gas production wells ~ $600 million
• Flowlines and risers ~ $400 million
• Control umbilicals and subsea manifolds ~ $300 million

3. LNG Hub (FLNG Facility) ~ $1.5 billion

The floating LNG (FLNG) hub processes and exports gas to international markets. Costs include:

• Liquefaction trains ~ $900 million
• Storage and offloading facilities ~ $400 million
• Pipeline connections ~ $200 million

4. Gas Export Pipeline ~ $500 million

A 100-km pipeline transports processed gas to the onshore terminal. Cost includes:

• Pipeline materials and installation ~ $400 million
• Compression facilities ~ $100 million

5. Onshore Terminal and Infrastructure ~ $500 million

Includes:

• Gas metering and processing systems ~ $200 million
• Export facilities and storage tanks ~ $200 million
• Utilities and infrastructure development ~ $100 million

Decarbonization Strategies and Cost Implications

1. Hybrid Power System: Gas and Renewables

One of the most significant innovations in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim FPSO is the adoption of a hybrid power system combining gas turbines with renewable energy sources. This strategic move was driven by the need to reduce emissions and operational costs while maintaining reliability.

Cost Estimation Considerations:

• Initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) for integrating renewables into FPSO design.
• Expected 15% reduction in fuel consumption, leading to lower operating expenses (OPEX).
• Increased energy efficiency extending asset life and reducing maintenance costs.

2. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

To align with global carbon reduction goals, BP incorporated CCS technology into the FPSO’s design. The system captures and stores approximately 200,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually.

Cost Estimation Factors:

• Upfront investment in CCS infrastructure (capture, compression, and storage systems).
• Regulatory incentives and carbon credit offsets reducing long-term costs.
• Additional monitoring and verification expenses for ensuring compliance with emissions regulations.

3. Digitalization and Predictive Maintenance

The FPSO leverages digital twin technology and predictive maintenance tools to optimize asset performance, extending equipment life and reducing unplanned downtime.

Key Cost Benefits:

• Real-time monitoring preventing major equipment failures.
• Reduction in maintenance costs through condition-based maintenance strategies.
• Lower insurance and compliance costs due to enhanced operational safety.

Financial and Environmental Impact

Initiative	Estimated Cost Impact	Sustainability Impact
Hybrid Power System	Lower OPEX, higher CAPEX	15% reduction in fuel consumption
CCS Integration	High CAPEX, potential carbon credits	200,000 metric tons CO₂ reduction annually
Digital Twin & AI	Lower maintenance costs	Enhanced asset lifecycle efficiency

Conclusion

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim FPSO sets a new benchmark for sustainable FPSO operations. While initial investments in hybrid power, CCS, and digitalization increase CAPEX, long-term OPEX reductions and regulatory incentives make these initiatives financially viable. This case study demonstrates that integrating decarbonization measures into cost estimation is not just an environmental necessity but a strategic economic decision.

Read More: MODEC’s Carbon-Neutral FPSO Design: A Case Study

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